Dealing with a whiplash injury after a car accident

Car accidents in California that are serious enough can result in whiplash injuries. While the impact of such an injury can range in severity and length, you should know when to seek treatment for whiplash.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that is commonly sustained in car accidents. It’s caused by the neck violently being jolted forward and back due to the impact of a crash. It affects the discs, tendons, and nerves of your neck and causes pain and stiffness. In addition to car accidents causing whiplash, other types of accidents such as those that occur during contact sports can cause the injury.

Symptoms of whiplash

Certain symptoms are very common with a whiplash injury. People who have suffered these injuries in car accidents often experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Stiffness of the neck
• Shoulder pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm or hand
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus or ringing of the ears
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Tiredness
• Insomnia

When should you seek treatment for your injury?

If you have persistent pain and other symptoms, you should seek treatment for a whiplash injury. When you see the doctor, you will have testing done if you haven’t already been diagnosed. Your doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to examine your neck’s soft tissue.

Treatment for whiplash can be tailored to your specific needs based on the severity of your injury, your age, and your medical history. The treatment itself can include the following:

• Ice packs
• Cervical collar
• Light but active movements
• Muscle relaxers
• Pain medications such as ibuprofen
• Physical therapy
• Osteopathic manipulation

Have you suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident? You may be able to hold the at-fault party liable and recover the damages you are due.